About ERAP
Wyoming received $352 million in federal funding to help eligible Wyoming households struggling to make rent, internet and/or utility payments and provide housing stability services. The Wyoming Department of Family Services, with assistance from the Department of Workforce Services, is administering the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a U.S. Treasury initiative passed through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Governor Gordon signed an Executive Order in February 2021 directing the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) to create the administrative infrastructure for the program so that funds could be distributed quickly upon passage of this authorizing legislation. During the 2021 general session, the Wyoming Legislature passed Senate File 118, which authorized DFS to administer the program. Governor Gordon signed the bill into law on April 21.
A multi-agency Steering Committee has helped create a platform that will quickly process household applications and eligible payments. The Steering Committee includes: Department of Family Services, Department of Workforce Services, EnterpriseTechnology Services, Attorney General’s Office, Administration and Information, Budget Office, Governor’s Office, State Auditor’s Office, Wyoming Public Service Commission, Wyoming Business Council and Wyoming Community Development Authority.
ERAP has the potential to help many Wyoming renters. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 23,515 Wyoming renters may be eligible for this financial assistance, spending more than 30% of their income on rent.
